Community effort prevented pupils' gang fight

Local police have praised a community effort for avoiding a mass punch-up between Newtown and Welshpool school kids last month.

MyWelshpool joined fellow local media outlets in supporting the police by publicising the shocking plans for the two sets to clash, after police were tipped off about the impending trouble.

Now the police have in turn thanked the schools and parents for playing their part in avoiding the trouble between the teenagers. They also increased their usual presence at the annual fair in Newtown, as a precaution.

Inspector for Newtown, Matthew Price, said: “When we heard that children from local communities were organising fights it was obviously very concerning. The way the schools and parents have come together to tackle the problem has been great and I’d like to thank them for that.

“It’s because of this close working we haven’t experienced any fighting in our towns.

“There’s no justifying this type of behaviour, and we’re keen to stamp it out. We’re continuously monitoring the issue, and urge anyone with concerns or information to get in touch.”